A major commercial fish of the North Pacific.

Also called: Pacific Cod, Gray Cod

Native status: Native to North Pacific

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 50–90 cm typical; record 119 cm
Weight3–10 kg typical; record 26 kg
LifespanWild 15–20 years
OrderGadiformes
FamilyGadidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Pacific cod is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Gadidae. It is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the northern Pacific Ocean, mainly on the continental shelf and upper slopes, to depths of about 900 m (3,000 ft). It can grow to a length of a meter or so and is found in large schools. They feed on clams, worms, crabs, shrimp, and juvenile fish. It is an important commercial food species and is also known as gray cod or grey cod, and grayfish or greyfish. Fishing for this species is regulated with quotas being allotted for hook and line fishing, pots, and bottom trawls. Fossils have been found in Canada near a Steller Sea lion fossil dating to the Pleistocene.

Source: Wikipedia — Pacific cod Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Robust olive-brown fish with three dorsal fins (gadid family character), barbel on chin, lateral line distinct. Generally smaller and stockier than Atlantic Cod.

Similar species. Atlantic Cod (different ocean; longer/more slender). Pacific Hake (different family; no chin barbel). Pollock (different proportions; no chin barbel).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Crabs, shrimp, octopus, smaller fish (pollock, herring, sand lance).

Behavior. Major commercial fishery species of North Pacific. Historically managed jointly by US and Russia under bilateral agreements; today managed under domestic Magnuson-Stevens Act. Population in Gulf of Alaska crashed dramatically in 2014–2017 due to "marine heatwave" — the warming event reduced prey availability and caused mass starvation. Stock has slowly recovered with cooler temperatures, but recovery is uncertain under continued ocean warming.

§ Range

North Pacific

§ Habitat

Cold North Pacific waters

§ Threats

Overfishing.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pacific cod is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region
  • North Pacific Fishery Management Council
  • Marine Stewardship Council
  • IUCN Red List 2014